The Most Amazing Natural Wonders in the World

The world in which we live is truly amazing. Here we take a look at the most amazing natural wonders in the world.

Aurora Borealis

Aurora Borealis are also known as polar auroras or the northern lights. They are called the northern lights because they occur in the northern hemisphere. These naturally occurring lights appear to spectators as dancing lights in the sky. If you wish to experience the northern lights first hand you have a higher chance of doing so the closer you travel to the magnetic pole in the Canadian Arctic islands. However, you could have a wasted journey because there is no way of predicting when the Aurora Borealis will appear although they are most likely between March and April or September and October. If you are planning to photograph the spectacle, though, you could have difficulty unless you are using a high quality digital camera.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon can be found in Arizona, USA. This gorge was created by the Colorado River and measures 277 miles long with a width of between 4 and 18 miles. It is also over one mile deep. There are larger canyons in the world but the Grand Canyon is considered a natural wonder due to its breathtaking colour, scale and size. The most famous and widely renowned view can be found at the Toroweap Overlook but you may have a treacherous journey to this lookout up one of only three dirt paths which will lead you there. However, you may choose to take in the vast site of the Canyon during a helicopter tour which continues to be one of the most popular options.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of Africa. This waterfall, which is also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (smoke that thunders), is located on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Sourced by the Zambezi River, it is the largest in the world at one mile wide and an astonishing 360 feet high. The falls are protected by the Zambian and Zimbabwean national parks. The waterfall was named Victoria Falls by Dr. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer.

As with the Grand Canyon, one of the best ways to view the Falls is to take a helicopter ride as you can truly appreciate the breathtaking view from high above the tumbling water. However, you can also view this amazing natural spectacle by walking across the footbridge and along the footpath where you can view the falls at eye level and hear the pounding of the water which earned it that nickname ‘smoke that thunders’. However, if you are planning a visit there are two distinctive seasons in which you can view the falls; the rainy season lasts from late November until the start of April and the rest of the year is considered the dry season.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is such a vast spectacle to behold that it can be seen from outer space. It is the largest coral reef in the world and the largest creation formed entirely from living organisms. The reef stretches across 1,600 miles and is constructed from 2,900 reefs and includes 900 islands.

Without a doubt the best way to view the reef is underwater, therefore it will come as no surprise that the area is a hotspot for snorkellers and scuba divers who thrive on the opportunity to see the coral, fish and sea-life up close. Of course, the expanse of the reef can be appreciated by air on a helicopter ride over the area.

Mount Everest

Moving on to China and Mount Everest, the highest spot on earth’s landscape. The summit of this mountain peaks at 29,029 feet and is also known as Chomolungma.

Mount Everest is located amongst the Himalayan mountains on the border between Tibet and Nepal. This is a popular spot with climbers who view climbing Everest as the ultimate challenge. This is a very costly challenge, though, with the Nepalese government now charging potential climbers $25,000.

If you are planning to visit Everest, the best times to go are during the dry season of October and November. It is certainly best to avoid the mountain during the snowier periods. You will require protective equipment for your camera as the atmosphere is very unique at Everest and this can interfere with camera operations. You may actually achieve the best views and the best photographic opportunities by taking a guided flight around the mountain.

Harbour of Rio de Janeiro

The harbour of Rio de Janeiro is a sight to behold as it is surrounded by stunningly unique granite monolith mountains and formations, including Sugar Loaf Mountain. It is considered one of the natural wonders of the world due to the volume of water which makes it the largest bay in the world.

The bay was actually created by the erosion from the Atlantic Ocean. Again, this is one of these natural wonders that is best appreciated from the skies where you can get a sense of the true beauty with the contrasts of water, mountains and beaches. It is heavenly. You can also go up Sugar Loaf Mountain on cable cars but you should try to get there as early as possible in the morning for the clearest views.

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